NEWSLETTER/CYLCHLYTHR

Powys Carers Service Newsletter - Summer 2004 - Page: 1 - 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7

Young Carers

Following a discussion with our young carers at the launch, we contacted the other young carer organisations across Powys to find out if they would be interested in joining together for a summer event for young carers in Wales. The response we had was very good, with over ten organisations showing interest. We then contacted Children in Wales and asked them if they would be interested in helping us to achieve the project. Their development officer, Lynne Hill, has been very helpful and supportive and we are currently working on possible sources of funding to run the event. Current dates that we are looking at are August 25th – 27th.

We held the first working group meeting last month and we will be meeting up again soon.
This event, (if it’s possible) will be the first young carers event in Wales and we will work hard to try and make it happen.

Befriending Project for Montgomeryshire Carers

Montgomeryshire Carers are launching the Befriending Project on the 14th June at 2pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Back Lane, Newtown. All carers are welcome to join in the fun.
The project aims to put carers and ex carers in Montgomeryshire in touch with each other, so that carers can have the benefit of the support of someone who has faced similar problems caring for someone with a similar disability.

Montgomeryshire Carers will visit all Befrienders at home and for safety reasons they will have to supply references etc. They will attend small group training sessions in Market Street, Newtown or nearer their homes, where all aspects of a befriending role will be discussed. Once trained they will have the use of a dedicated 24 hour telephone line and will be able to be confident that there will always be a member of staff available to support them.

The Friend-needers will be current carers, who feel that having someone to talk to at any time, especially someone who has been in their situation would be valuable. They too, will be visited at home by Sandra and the various aspects of the scheme will be discussed. They will be free at any time to withdraw if they decided it is ‘not for them’. They will have access to the dedicated telephone line in case of any problems. Each ‘pair’ of new friends will be introduced in a private session, probably at Market Street, Newtown, so they can get to know a little more about each other. If there is ‘a match’ then they can exchange telephone numbers and proceed Befriending. Montgomeryshire Carers will continue to be involved to ensure all is well.

Montgomeryshire Carers need people to be Befrienders and people who need friends. If you would like to know more about the project call Sandra on 01686 628 749 for more information.




Special Interest Representation on Funky Dragon's Grand Council

Funky Dragon has secured funding to allocate specific time and resources to focus on representation for (amongst others) Young Carers. You can put yourself for election for the Special Interest places if you are aged 11-25.

Job Description:

Have a sense of humour
Be able to voice your opinion
Do some training on things like team building
Go along to residentials
Feedback to young people
Attend meetings
Have respect for other people’s views
Represent the views of children and young people
Meet with Ministers and other officials.

If you are interested in joining the Young Carer Special Interest Group, or would like more information, please contact the main office on 01597 823800